GTCR has partnered with consumer technology executive Gary Swidler to launch Ascent Sports Group, a new platform aimed at consolidating and modernizing the fragmented technology ecosystem that supports youth and amateur sports.
Swidler, who will serve as CEO, will work with GTCR to identify, invest in, and build businesses that make it easier for athletes, families, coaches, teams, leagues, and venue operators to participate in, follow, and manage sports activities. The initiative targets a market where users often rely on multiple disconnected tools to handle functions such as video, statistics, communication, and engagement.
GTCR said Ascent Sports Group will focus on products that simplify participation, improve accessibility, and strengthen connections across sports communities. Swidler brings experience from Match Group, where he held senior leadership roles including CFO, COO, and President, and helped scale a portfolio of consumer platforms globally.
GTCR described Swidler as a proven operator with a track record of building product-led platforms, and said the firm will contribute capital and operational support to help form a next-generation sports technology and media platform through a combination of organic growth and acquisitions.
KEY QUOTES:
“Youth and amateur sports are a central part of family and community life, yet the technology supporting them has not kept pace. Families and athletes often juggle several platforms to watch games, track stats, communicate with teams, and stay connected to their sports communities. Our goal is to invest in products that bring these experiences together in a more intuitive and consumer-friendly way.”
Gary Swidler, CEO, Ascent Sports Group
“Gary is a proven leader with a strong track record of building and scaling consumer technology platforms. Youth and amateur sports represent a large, under-served market, and we are excited to partner with Gary to build a next-generation sports technology and media platform focused on improving the consumer experience.”
Stephen Master, Managing Director, GTCR
“GTCR is excited to bring its capital and operational resources to the highly fragmented youth and amateur sports ecosystem, supporting the development of technology that better serves athletes, families, and their communities.”
Michael Pappas, Director, GTCR
